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Author
Topic: Big changes in the air. Wish me luck. (Read 9147 times)

I've decided to quit my job. I don't know what I'll do or where I'll land, but I'm hoping things will be okay for me. It's time for me to go. Well it's been time, but somehow I just stayed around getting more and more comfortable with the no-change, no-risk taking in my life.

So I'm dusting off the old resume tonight, (and since I've been working with the same firm since I was in college...as an intern 10 years ago), it's very dusty and dated. I probably should also start calling it a CV.

I think technically I should be (will be perhaps) deported (since my Visa is tied to my job). But we'll see. I'm scared (very), sad (somewhat) and nervous (incredibly). But I'm hopeful things will work out.

Dear Cliff...It's been said that the only constant in life is change...I'm certain you will do well whatever you choose as you are a bright, personable and decent young man...And with your beloved, sweet Will still here in the states it may be good to come home and settle down here again and travel less.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Jody

Logged

"Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world". "Try to discover that you are the song that the morning brings."

Thanks guys! I just finished my resume and sent it off to a couple of head-hunters. My friends have been really supportive (agreeing to be references, sending me sample resumes, and of course words of encouragement). It will work-out somehow. I'm more calm now.

And like you said Rod, there's always Texas.

Fingers are crossed (well they already were for Jan's twins, so I'll just cross them harder).

Hi Cliff.I really don't think you should worry too much about the deportation after all this time, I should think that you'd be able to stay if you really wanted. Anyhow I wish you the best of British luck.

Assuming this decision isn't a reaction to something that has upset you at work, then I say "go for it".

There isn't a doubt in my mind that you can achieve whatever personal goals you set your mind to. If this decision is the first step in a well thought out plan to make changes and achieve different goals--I'm behind you 1000%.

I guess the first question though, that comes to my mind, is: Why?

I also assume you aren't talking about quitting before you have another job lined up.

Change in and of itself can be frightening, but that should never deter us from making it. Especially if the possible outcome is something we truly desire.

Do we want less travel?A greater sense of recognition?More challenge?More fulfilment?(Just for the record, salary is rarely the reason someone elects to make a job change. There are numerous studies out that document that fact. Those studies almost always identify the #1 reason as being a sense of fulfillment.)

The list can go on and on. The most important thing is to make sure we have honestly looked at the situation and understand what it is we want.

We talked a little about this in Montreal and you wern't sure how things would go, based on what we talked about I think you have made the right decision, I agree with Rocky, you have to be happy with what you are doing, l wish you all the love and luck in the world.

I have love in my heart for you kiddo. You're smart, talented, tall, dark and handsome, witty and engaging. With all that going for you, following your passions, with Will by your side, is a dream come true. I'm not saying it's going to be easy. Nothing is easy. But it is the right thing to do. Congraulations!!

Cliff,All I can say is follow your heart. I know you will land on your feet, probably doing something that fulfills you and offers you the future you want.

If you do come back to the states, and you don't want Texas, swing through the Lone Star State, pick up your sweetie (who, by the way, is really nice and quite handsome) and head to the great Southwest.

I share the optimism of the group in thinking you will be fine. I have no doubt it is a little 'SCARY". I wish you good luck and God speed....in whatever you end up doing. I too believe its important to enjoy what we do in life...whether it be work or whatever. Life is too short to do otherwise. You have a great personality and a wonderful sense of humor which I believe will serve you well.

Thanks guys!!!! It's hard work looking for a job (especially when you're illegal, well almost). I feel like I'm working harder at finding a job, than I did when I had one. I've met several headhunters so far and they were all nice and seem to be doing their best to find me suitable employment. Though they have all expressed concern about my visa situation, so this weekend my task is to start working on an application for a new type of visa.

Cliff, I wish you luck, but I suspect you won't need but a smidge of it---you've got everything it takes to land whatever you want, wherever you want to be. You put your CV together in remarkably short order--therefore, if all else fails, you could write resumes or work a grille. Yep, I'm only kiddin'.Em

I completed my new Visa application and mailed it off this morning. I just drafted my resignation letter and will turn it in tomorrow. I would hand it in personally but I'm being sent to Birmingham (UK) tomorrow for 3 days, (I just found out today). Yet more confirmation that it's time to go. So I'll print the letter off, sign it, scan it and then email it to HR. My last day will be next friday.

I have an interview on Friday with an American publishing company based 40 minutes outside London. The location is not ideal, but it's something.

I'm feeling a little better. I haven't had much of an appetite this past week and well my stools have been very soft and quite yellow (sorry for the lurid details)...it's my nerves getting to me. I went to the doctor today and my blood pressure was off the chart (even though I am on BP medicine), so he upped my dosage and added a new pill. I know I'm putting my body, nerves and pressure through hell right now, but they will thank me for it in the long-run. There's more to life than work and money.

Your right Cliff theres definately more to life than work and money they are quite far down my list as it happens! I've been unhappy in a job before and it starts to effect other aspects of your life when I made the move it was less money but I certainly didnt regret it. Good luck in Birmingham, it's erm interesting!

Well today was my last day at work. 8 years came to an abrupt end. I turned in my laptop and mobile phone (completely forgot it was theirs). I handed over my Amex card. My ATT calling card. Keys to my office. They are pretty thourough. I then came home and called Will. He bitched me out for quitting without a job lined up. He then pulled a George Castanza's mom ("She's not Chinese, well then that changes EVERYTHING.") I told him that I was interviewing for permanent positions in the UK, he was taken aback and thought I was just here for a couple of years and would come back to the US. So now he needs to consider whether or not he too wants to immigrate to the UK on an indefinite basis.

Oh and they gave me an invoice for $20,000 to repay all my transfer/expat costs as noted in my employment contract. But being the nice folks that they are , they will still pay me my annual bonus on Friday.

When it rains...

BUT all told...I'm still happy I finally made the move. Not well thought out and I should have probably just quit in NYC. But oh well. Plus Orange gave me a free mobile (albeit with a 12 month contract), so I'm back up and running again.

Wow, somehow I missed this post. I can imagine the stress. That kind of stress really is hell on ones body. I'm wishing you the best luck, but you seem like the kind of person who doesn't really need luck; you'll do fine. Keep us informed about your new successes. Take care.

I got a call from a headhunter and one of the companies I completed my third interview with wants to extend an offer. I don't think I'll end up accepting it, but it's good to know I have something on the backburner.

Tomorrow I meet with British Petroleum and Wednesday I have my second round of interviews with British Airways (my top pick). Hopefully if all goes well I'll have a signed contract by the end of this week, then I'm off for Houston to visit family/friends.

Oh Cliff, this is great news. What company in the world could resist your obviously brilliant talents?I'll have everything crossed for you, that you get your first choice.America's loss, U.K's gain mate.Hey, I love the avatar! We did have a lot of fun eh!love ya darl'nJen xxxxxxxx

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

BA is going to extend an offer (I just found out a few minutes ago). I'm running late to meet a friend for dinner, so I'll have to update you later. But I really do appreciate your thoughts and support. It means a lot. Things have worked out, as you all said it would.

To be honest, I was really down today. BA requires folks applying for certain jobs to take a battery of tests and assessments (3 hours long). I thought I had bombed most of the tests. I then had to meet up with a few folks from the company and it was tough getting through those interviews when I was under the impression I had flunked the exams. But I was wrong and now I feel so much better (my insecurities can do a number on my mental outlook).

Hi Jen! The first company was McGraw-Hill (they publish BusinessWeek and Platts, and own Standard & Poors, the debt rating agency). A great company with good folks....plus they are headquartered in NYC so it would have been a good opportunity to move back to NYC if I wanted to. But I love the airline industry (probably a close second to my love of the oil business....lol). Speaking of which, my interview with British Petroleum went well and they want to meet again tomorrow morning. I'm trying to stay focused on getting through this interview, even though I am going to go with BA.

BA is going to extend an offer (I just found out a few minutes ago). I'm running late to meet a friend for dinner, so I'll have to update you later. But I really do appreciate your thoughts and support. It means a lot. Things have worked out, as you all said it would.

Hi Jen! The first company was McGraw-Hill (they publish BusinessWeek and Platts, and own Standard & Poors, the debt rating agency). A great company with good folks....plus they are headquartered in NYC so it would have been a good opportunity to move back to NYC if I wanted to. But I love the airline industry (probably a close second to my love of the oil business....lol). Speaking of which, my interview with British Petroleum went well and they want to meet again tomorrow morning. I'm trying to stay focused on getting through this interview, even though I am going to go with BA.

Thanks everyone!

Cliff

You interview with 3 companies and will likely get three offers (2 for sure already)? WOW, I am so proud of you!

Congrats on the offer from BA, hopefully you'll get everything you want. (Ask em to name a plane after you--he he he )